Walking Dead' set ratings record with shocker

By Chuck Barney/DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

AMC’s zombie sensation, “The Walking Dead,” once again boosted the body count in Sunday’s Season 3 finale and set another ratings record.

According to Nielsen, 12.4 million viewers watched the finale, which had Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and his savvy survivors finally going to war with the sinister Governor (David Morrissey). That’s the show’s largest audience ever, and one that many network series these days would envy.

That number figures to grow. “The Walking Dead” typically, adds, at least an additional 3 million viewers after DVR usage is figured into the mix. As it is, “The Walking Dead” was TV’s No. 1 show of the night.

Even “The Talking Dead,” a live post-show, shared in the success. It garnered 5.2 million viewers, its largest audience ever.

AMC, of course, immediately issued a celebratory news release.

“Two words: Grateful. Dead. It’s a joy that we get to work with such tremendous talent to make ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Talking Dead’ come to life for audiences that continue to engage and grow,” said Charlie Collier, AMC’s president. “In just three seasons, ‘The Walking Dead’ has become a pop-culture phenomenon, entertaining millions of passionate viewers and obliterating traditional lines between cable and broadcast television.”

It remains to be seen if “The Walking Dead” can maintain, or build on its momentum. A few months ago, it was announced that showrunner Glen Mazzara will depart the series after ushering it through its most successful stretch. Also leaving the show is series regular Laurie Holden, whose character, Andrea, met a sad demise in the finale.

“The Walking Dead” attracted 9 million viewers to its Season 2 finale and 12.3 million to its midseason opener this year.

In other “Dead” news, EW.com reported that Morrissey will return to the show in Season 4.